Alouatta Belzebul Research Articles

New records of Amblyomma ticks parasitizing neotropical primates in Brazil

Amblyomma is an important tick genus for animal and human health, with some species being the vectors of zoonotic pathogens, such as Rickettsia rickettsii, in the Neotropical region. Knowing their hosts may help to understand the distribution of these agents and decrease the occurrence of clinical cases. Primates are intelligent and adaptable animals that can get close to humans in the search for food. So, they may be an important epidemiological link for the spread of these ticks. Beyond that, primates also suffer from these infections, serving as sentinels for different diseases. Thus, the present study aims to report the parasitism by Amblyomma spp. on six species of Neotropical primates from different locations in Brazil. The 337 collected ticks were morphologically identified using stereomicroscopes and taxonomic keys, and six distinct species of ticks were identified. We report here the first record of nymphs of the tick species Amblyomma cajennense sensu stricto on Alouatta belzebul, a male of Amblyomma fuscum on Alouatta guariba clamitans, nymphs of Amblyomma sculptum on Leontopithecus chrysopygus and Callithrix aurita, as well as nymphs of Amblyomma geayi on Saimiri collinsi. Of the 337 tick specimens collected, 256 (75,96%) were nymphs. The importance of primates in the life cycle of these species remains to be elucidated.

Installation and monitoring of a canopy bridge connecting Atlantic Forest fragments containing endangered species in Northeastern Brazil

Abstract In 2019, a canopy bridge was built connecting two fragments of the Atlantic Forest separated by the Pacatuba unpaved road within the Pacatuba-Gargaú Corridor. This bridge was built as part of the Brazilian National Action Plan for the Conservation of Northeastern Primates (Plano de Ação Nacional para Conservação dos Primatas do Nordeste – PAN PRINE). The forest fragments contain a variety of mammal species, including the endangered primate species Alouatta belzebul and Sapajus flavius. Between September 2019 and March 2020, we monitored the canopy bridge continuously with a Bushnell camera trap; for a total of 204 days of sampling, resulting in evidence of 113 independent passage events. During the monitoring period, four mammal species used the canopy bridge, the Endangered Sapajus flavius (blond capuchin monkey), Callithrix jacchus (common marmoset), Marmosa demerarae (woolly mouse opossum), and Marmosa murina (murine mouse opossum). The common marmoset (Callithrix jacchus) used the bridge most frequently, representing 50.44% of the passage events (57), while the blond capuchin monkey (S. flavius) crossed the bridge in 30 events (26.5% of total crossings). All other mammals used the bridge less frequently than the primates (23% of crossings were of opossums). There was no record of crossings by the red-handed howler monkey (Alouatta belzebul) during the monitoring period. The construction of the canopy bridge within the Pacatuba-Gargaú forest corridor promoted structural and functional connectivity of the forest habitats, affecting the movement of the Endangered blond capuchin monkey and the common marmoset and benefiting other arboreal mammal species. The results indicate that monitoring the use of this canopy bridge provided important insights into the behaviour and ecology of the species studied (e.g., activity patterns, social interactions, group sizes, and reproduction, among many others). In addition, the use of the bridge decreases the risks of animal-vehicle collisions and electrocutions. Considering our results, we strongly recommend constructing and implementing canopy bridges as a strategy for the conservation of arboreal species living in fragmented forest areas.

Immunohematological features of free-living Alouatta belzebul (Linnaeus, 1766) red-handed howler monkeys in the Eastern Amazon.

The red-handed howler monkey (Alouatta belzebul) is one of the 35 threatened Brazilian primate species found in two highly endangered Brazilian biomes. Their Amazonian native populations have been declining due to exponential deforestation associated with human activities, especially the construction of dams. The studied population (n = 27) was located in the Belo Monte dam Area of Influence. For the first time, we presented hematological parameters and the basic profile of T (CD3) and B (BSAP PAX5) cells by immunocytochemistry. The results supported the hypothesis that the immuno-hematological profile is influenced by sex, age, and season. Eosinophils were significantly higher in females (p = 0.03), monocytes statistically greater in juveniles (p = 0.04), and total plasma protein increased significantly (p > 0.001) during the dry season. Furthermore, adults showed a statistically higher average absolute number of B lymphocytes than young individuals (p = 0.03), in contrast to T lymphocytes. Even without knowing the full history of antigenic exposure, these results not only contribute to elucidating the boundaries between health and disease but may help lay the groundwork for future research into the effects of anthropogenic stress on immune activation.

Centromeric enrichment of LINE-1 retrotransposon in two species of South American monkeys Alouatta belzebul and Ateles nancymaae (Platyrrhini, Primates)

LINE-1 sequences have been linked to genome evolution, plasticity and speciation; however, despite their importance, their chromosomal distribution is poorly known in primates. In this perspective, we used fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) to map LINE-1 probes onto two representative platyrrhine species, Aotus nancymaae (Cebidae) and Alouatta belzebul (Atelidae), both characterized with highly rearranged karyotypes, in order to investigate their chromosomal distribution and role and to better characterize the two genomes. We found centromeric enrichment of LINE-1 sequences on all biarmed and acrocentric chromosomes co-localized with heterochromatin C-positive bands. This distribution led us to hypothesize that LINE 1 sequences may have a role in the centromere architecture and karyotype organization of platyrrhine genomes.

Anatomy of the basal nuclei of Alouatta belzebul

Abstract The basal nuclei are well-defined bodies of neurons with specific functions, located inside the white medullary center of the brain, directly involved with the motor system, participating greatly in the planning and control processes of movements. Studies on these nuclei in non-human primates are small and in the Alouatta belzebul species, nonexistent. The aim of the present study was to describe the morphology of the nuclei at the base of the brain of Alouatta belzebul. Ten male and female Alouatta belzebul brains were used, where after removal and coronal cut of the brain, the Mayland technique was performed to show the basal nuclei. There was the presence of the caudate nucleus, lentiform nucleus (this formed by the putamen, medial globus pallidus and lateral globus pallidus), claustrum and substantia nigra, which, functionally, are related to motor control. The substantia nigra is part of the midbrain and is also related to learning resulting from the effects of dopamine, responsible for activating the reward and addiction system in the telbrain and is also related to the red nucleus, which is also a midbrain nucleus. In Alouatta belzebul the red nucleus is present. It was found in the literature that degeneration of substantia nigra cells can cause Parkinson's disease in Macaca fasciculares, and because Alouatta belzebul has the same anatomical structures in the basal nuclei of the base of Macaca fasciculares, it is suggested that studies of functional evaluation of these structures should be carried out to verify whether Alouatta belzebul can be used as an experimental model for Parkinson's disease.

Serum biochemistry panel of free-living red-handed howler monkeys (Alouatta belzebul) in the Eastern Amazon.

The red-handed howler monkey (Alouatta belzebul) is one of 116 imperiled Brazilian primate species. We aimed to determine the serum biochemical profile of free-ranging red-handed howler monkeys in a highly disturbed area of the eastern Amazon. We obtained serum samples from 26monkeys, in which we analyzed 20 biochemical variables. Calcium concentration was significantly lower in adult males (1.82±0.25mmol/L) than in adult females (2.10±0.50mmol/L). Both adults (males=89±85UI/L, females=62±23UI/L) had lower alkaline phosphatase serum activity than juvenile females (178±120UI/L). Adult male had higher levels of the direct bilirubin (13.9±8.2µmol/L) and creatinine (74.3±19.4µmol/L) than juvenile females (5.1±1.4µmol/L and 38.9±15.0µmol/L, respectively). This detailed biochemical profile may be useful for the management of red-handed howler monkeys in the wild and to support further studies at ex situ facilities.

Trypanosoma rangeli Genetic, Mammalian Hosts, and Geographical Diversity from Five Brazilian Biomes.

Trypanosoma rangeli is a generalist hemoflagellate that infects mammals and is transmitted by triatomines around Latin America. Due to its high genetic diversity, it can be classified into two to five lineages. In Brazil, its distribution outside the Amazon region is virtually unknown, and knowledge on the ecology of its lineages and on host species diversity requires further investigation. Here, we analyzed 57 T. rangeli samples obtained from hemocultures and blood clots of 1392 mammals captured in different Brazilian biomes. The samples were subjected to small subunit (SSU) rDNA amplification and sequencing to confirm T. rangeli infection. Phylogenetic inferences and haplotype networks were reconstructed to classify T. rangeli lineages and to infer the genetic diversity of the samples. The results obtained in our study highlighted both the mammalian host range and distribution of T. rangeli in Brazil: infection was observed in five new species (Procyon cancrivorous, Priodontes maximum, Alouatta belzebul, Sapajus libidinosus, and Trinomys dimidiatus), and transmission was observed in the Caatinga biome. The coati (Nasua nasua) and capuchin monkey (S. libidinosus) are the key hosts of T. rangeli. We identified all four T. rangeli lineages previously reported in Brazil (A, B, D, and E) and possibly two new genotypes.

Uses of nonhuman primates by humans in northeastern Brazil.

Humans have used non-human primates (hereafter referred to as primates) as food source, medicine, parts of rituals, pets, and models for various studies worldwide. Here we investigated the extent of the use of primates by humans in three areas in northeastern Brazil, the country's most impoverished region. We carried out our study in three biomes (Caatinga, Cerrado, and Atlantic Forest). The results showed that humans exploited all five primate species occurring in the study sites:Callithrix jacchus,Sapajus flavius,Sapajus libidinosus,Alouatta belzebul, andAlouatta ululata. They used the primates as a food source, as pets and medicines, and for leisure. Despite socioeconomic differences in the study areas, we found similarities in the use of primates. Larger primates were targeted for meat, whereas the small common marmosets were targeted as pets. We found conflicting interactions between humans and bearded capuchins due to crop raiding, but no such conflict was found between humans and blonde capuchins, reflecting the differences in crop type, pattern, and tradition in the sites.A.ululata was used as medicine. We suggest that environmental education actions in the study areas should focus on (i) raising awareness among local people of the ecological importance of primates, (ii) providing alternative activities to hunting whenever possible, and (iii) minimising conflicts.

The occurrence of the red-handed howler monkey (Alouatta belzebul) in amazonian savannas is related to forest patch area and density of flooded area palms.

All Neotropical primates are arboreal and thus depend on forests for their survival. Arboreality puts many Neotropical primates at risk of extinction due to the high rates of deforestation in the tropics. We assessed the influence of vegetation structure and forest patch attributes on the occurrence of the threatened red-handed howler monkey (Alouatta belzebul) in an Amazonian savanna. Using a sample of 38 forest patches in a region of approximately 2000 km2 in the state of Amapá, northern Brazil, we used logistic regression to find the best predictors of the occurrence of A. belzebul. We assessed patch area, patch isolation, the proportion of seasonally flooded forest in the patch, the density of flooded area palms, forest height, canopy cover, and diameter at breast height of trees. Patch area and palm density were the best predictors of the occurrence of A. belzebul in forest patches, both having a positive effect on the probability of occurrence. Our results indicate that areas of flooded forest in forest patches may be keystone habitats for A. belzebul living in Amazonian savannas. The observed effect of palm density on A. belzebul suggests that this variable is useful for planning conservation actions, including the selection of areas for protection and management strategies for areas inhabited by this primate.

Morfologia do tubo digestório de Alouatta belzebul

O Alouatta belzebul é uma espécie classificada como “Vulnerável” e isso se justifica principalmente pela caça, fragmentação e perda do hábitat nas florestas tropicais. A anatomia deste gênero apresenta características peculiares em todas as espécies estudadas, assim este trabalho objetivou descrever a morfologia do tubo digestório de Alouatta belzebul a fim de fornecer subsídios para avaliação de dietas, realização de procedimentos clínicos e cirúrgicos nestes animais. Foram utilizados 10 espécimes de Alouatta belzebul, adultos, machos, de diferentes idade. O trabalho foi realizado na Universidade Federal de Goiás e aprovado no comitê de ética N.083∕17. Os animais previamente criopreservados, foram descongelados e fixados por meio da infusão intramuscular e intracavitária de solução aquosa de folmol a 10%. Existem diversas variações na anatomia macroscópica do tubo digestório entre os primatas e estas variações ocorrem de acordo com os hábitos alimentares. Em Alouatta belzebul, que são folívoros-frugívoros, o tubo digestório abrange a maior parte da cavidade abdominal. Estes animais possuem números variáveis de rugas palatinas, de 10 a 17 pares de rugas, independente do sexo e idade, valores estes diferentes dos relatados para Sapajus libidinosus, de 18 a 21 pares de rugas. O estômago pseudo-compartimentalizado com uma região glandular e duas aglandulares, assemelhando com os achados de Nasalis larvatus. O intestino grosso apresenta o ceco aumentado em formato de L, corroborando com os achados em Callithrix penicillata. Os resultados demonstram que as variações estruturais do tubo digestório ocorrem de acordo com o hábito alimentar das diferentes espécies.

Island and Riverine populations of Alouatta belzebul from the Brazilian Amazon parasitized by Pediculus mjobergi.

Mammalian lice are obligate hematophagous ectoparasites that remain on the host throughout the life cycle. This study showed an endangered wild howler species (Alouatta belzebul) parasitized by Pediculus mjobergi. Twenty-seven primates were rescued during wildlife rescue activities in the process of vegetation suppression at the Belo Monte Hydroelectric Power Plant (UHE), located on the lower Xingu River, in the Brazilian Amazon basin. Among the 27 primates examined from two vegetal formations (alluvial rainforest and liana-infested forest) areas, 13 (48.15%) were parasitized by lice with all positive primates being from alluvial rainforest. Optical and scanning electron microscopy allowed the visualization of the structures and the diagnostic characters of the lice species in greater detail expanding the current description. These results highlight the importance of considering ecological and regional features to provide a better understanding of the factors that promote parasitism.

Habitat suitability for primate conservation in north-east Brazil

AbstractBrazil has a high diversity of primates, but increasing anthropogenic pressures and climate change could influence forest cover in the country and cause future changes in the distribution of primate populations. Here we aim to assess the long-term suitability of habitats for the conservation of three threatened Brazilian primates (Alouatta belzebul, Sapajus flavius and Sapajus libidinosus) through (1) estimating their current and future distributions using species distribution models, (2) evaluating how much of the areas projected to be suitable is represented within protected areas and priority areas for biodiversity conservation, and (3) assessing the extent of remaining forest cover in areas predicted to be suitable for these species. We found that 88% of the suitable areas are outside protected areas and only 24% are located in areas with forest cover. Although not within protected areas, 27% of the climatically suitable areas are considered priority areas for conservation. Future projections, considering a severe climate change scenario, indicate that A. belzebul, S. flavius and S. libidinosus may lose up to 94, 98 and 54% of their suitable range, respectively. The establishment of primate populations and their long-term survival in these areas are at risk. Mitigation actions such as the implementation of new protected areas, forest restoration and reduction of greenhouse gas emissions will be essential for the conservation of Brazilian primates.

Molecular phylogenetic inference of the howler monkey radiation (Primates: Alouatta).

Howler monkeys (Alouatta), comprising between nine and 14 species and ranging from southern Mexico to northern Argentina, are the most widely distributed platyrrhines. Previous phylogenetic studies of howlers have used chromosomal and morphological characters and a limited number of molecular markers; however, branching patterns conflict between studies or remain unresolved. We performed a new phylogenetic analysis of Alouatta using both concatenated and coalescent-based species tree approaches based on 14 unlinked non-coding intergenic nuclear regions. Our taxon sampling included five of the seven South American species (Alouatta caraya, Alouatta belzebul, Alouatta guariba, Alouatta seniculus, Alouatta sara) and the two recognized species from Mesoamerica (Alouatta pigra, Alouatta palliata). Similarly to previous studies, our phylogenies supported a Mesoamerican cladeand a South American clade. For the South American howlers, both methods recovered the Atlantic Forest endemic A. guariba as sister to all remaining South American species, albeit with moderate support. Moreover, we found no support for the previously proposed sister relationship between A. guariba and A. belzebul. For the first time, a clade composed of A. sara and A. caraya was identified. The relationships among the other South American howlers, however, were not fully supported. Our estimates for divergence times within Alouatta are generally older compared to estimates in earlier studies. However, they conform to recent studies proposing a Miocene age for the Isthmus of Panama and for the uplift of the northern Andes. Our results also point to an early genetic isolation of A. guariba in the Atlantic Forest, in agreement with the hypothesis of biotic exchange across South American rain forests in the Miocene. Collectively, these findings contribute to a better understanding of the diversification processes among howler monkey species; however, they also suggest that further comprehension of the evolutionary history of the Alouatta radiation will rely on broadened taxonomic, geographic, and genomic sampling.

Drivers of primate richness and occurrence in a naturally patchy landscape in the Brazilian Amazon

We assessed the spatial extent at which the species-landscape relationship is strongest (i.e. the scale of effect—SE) on primate occurrence (Alouatta belzebul, Saguinus midas, Saimiri sciureus, and Sapajus apella and Cebus olivaceus, the last two considered together in the analysis) and species richness and evaluated which landscape, patch, and human variables influence primate distribution in a savanna ecosystem in Brazil. We used nested buffers to measure the landscape attributes, and used these data to assess the SE of the species-landscape relationships. We explored the relative contributions of landscape, patch, and human variables to species richness and occurrences by using Generalized Linear Mixed Models and logistic regression. We found that the SE did not differ between primates, but did between two regions with different matrix composition. At the landscape level, occurrence of all species was higher as the distance to the nearest block of continuous forest decreased, but was lower as the amount of water bodies and anthropogenic cover in the matrix increased. The occurrence of S. apella, C. olivaceus and A. belzebul was positively related to forest cover, and all species but A. belzebul had higher occurrence in taller forest. The occurrence of S. apella, C. olivaceus and A. belzebul decreased closer to the city, and S. apella and C. olivaceus presence increased with the number of residents. Richness was negatively related to the number of residents and anthropogenic cover, but positively to forest height. We concluded that conservation planning for primates should follow a “functional landscape” perspective, by maintaining higher forest cover and minimizing the anthropogenic alterations in the matrix.

Anatomy of the dura mater venous sinus of Alouatta belzebul.

The anatomy of the dura mater's venous sinuses is important in the veterinary clinical and surgical area, for cranial procedures and interventions of wild animals, in addition to assisting in the management of neurological diseases, which can prevent serious complications. The macroscopic anatomy of the venous sinuses of the dura mater of Alouatta belzebul was studied. Five adult specimens, males and females, were dissected and fixed in 10% formaldehyde solution. In the dura mater of the Alouatta belzebul, nine venous sinuses were observed, being them dorsal sagittal sinus, ventral sagittal sinus, transverse sinus, straight sinus, sigmoid sinus, temporal sinus, parietal sinus, basilar sinus and cavernous sinus, with morphological similarities in origin, path and destination of blood flow to the internal jugular vein, assisting in the venous drainage function of the brain in this species. These data are similar to those found in other species of non-human and human primates such as Saimiri sciureus, Sapajus libidinosus and Homo sapiens. Of the venous sinuses observed, the cavernous sinus was of considerable clinical and surgical importance in Alouatta belzebul due to its topographic arrangement next to the internal carotid artery and pituitary gland, data that corroborate Sapajus libidinosus, Macaca fascicularis, Macaca mulatta, Papio ursinus, Cercopithecus pygerithrus and Galago senegalensis. In this context, the knowledge of the macroscopic anatomy of the venous sinuses of the dura mater may contribute to the role of veterinarians in less invasive surgical procedures in non-human primates such as Alouatta belzebul and other mammals.

Vascularization of the Alouatta belzebul brain base

ABSTRACT: We studied the arterial circle in the brain of five specimens of the Alouatta belzebul primate. The material had the arterial system perfused (water at 40°C), injected with stained latex (Neoprene 650), fixed in aqueous formaldehyde solution (10%) and dissected for vessel verification. The arterial circle of this primate is composed of two vascular systems: the vertebra-basilar and the carotid ones, which anastomose to close the arterial circuit. In the caudal portion of the arterial circle, there are the vertebral arteries and their branches: the rostral spinal artery and the caudal inferior cerebellar artery. The anastomosis of the vertebral arteries gives rise to the basilar artery. It presented an anatomical variation at the beginning of its path, forming a double basilar artery, called arterial island. In its course, it emitted branches giving rise to the rostral inferior cerebellar artery, the pontine arteries, the rostral cerebellar arteries, the satellite rostral cerebellar arteries and its terminal branch, the caudal cerebral artery, which presented itself in two segments: the pre-communicating one and post-communicating, joining the internal carotid artery and originating the caudal communicating artery. This group of arteries and anastomoses enclose the caudal portion of the arterial circle. From the right and left internal carotid arteries begins the rostral portion of the arterial circle, which consists of the right and left rostral cerebral arteries and the right and left middle cerebral arteries. The rostral cerebral arteries anastomose into a single trunk, giving rise to the interhemispheric artery, and in A. belzebul and Sapajus libidinosus, the rostral communicating artery is absent. The interhemispheric artery goes to the midbrain region and the corpus callosum knee divides into pericalous artery and callosarginal artery, which will supply the pre and post-central regions of the cerebral hemispheres of this species, as well as other non-human and human primates. It is noted that in the first part of the left rostral cerebral artery, there is a direct inosculation between the recurrent branch of the rostral cerebral artery and left middle cerebral artery to supply the entorhinal region. This fact also occurs in Pongo spp. The middle cerebral artery travels along the lateral sulcus where it emits several superficial branches to irrigate the superior and inferior lateral cortical regions of the frontal, parietal and temporal lobes. It is not part of the arterial circle but is the terminal branch of the internal carotid artery. A. belzebul can be considered to depend on two sources of supply to the brain: the vertebra-basilar and carotid systems, contributing to the intervention of veterinarians during clinical and surgical procedures in other primates, as well as the preservation of wild animals.

ABUNDANCE OF TREES USED AS FOOD BY PRIMATES IN FRAGMENTS OF ATLANTIC FOREST

Forest fragmentation favours the propagation of some arboreal primate species that can alter the floristic composition of a community. This process may be associated with the loss of seed dispersants. In this work we propose to identify if the presence of frugivorous primates of medium and large size (Sapajus flavius and Alouatta belzebul) can influence forest diversity and structure. Further, we ask if the size of the fragment affects the availability of resources for these primates. Three fragments were studied in the Atlantic Forest of the State of Paraíba, Brazil, located in the municipalities of Sapé, Mamanguape, Rio Tinto, and Mataraca. In each area 25 plots of 50 x 4 m were delimited, randomly distributed along trails and transects. All trees with chest-high circumferences (CAP) above 12 cm found within the plots were marked with ribbons, and numbered continuously. A total of 114 plant species were documented in the Pacatuba Forest, 79 in the Asplan Forest, and 97 in the “Guaribas” (Sema III) Biological Reserve (REBIO) Forest. According to the Chao and Jacknife estimators, the REBIO Guaribas Forest can present more species than recorded in the present investigation. Species Tapirira guianensis, Protium giganteum and Protium heptaphyllum are the most abundant in the Asplan, Pacatuba and Sema III Forests, respectively. In the REBIO Guaribas Forest, the Shannon diversity index was (H') = 3.75, the Alpha-Fisher index was = 26.57 and the Simpson index (1-D) was = 0.90. Pacatuba was the forest fragment with the highest index of diversity (H') = 375, Alpha-Fischer = 33.74 and Simpson (1-D) = 0.95. Pacatuba and REBIO Guaribas Forsts possess greater Beta diversity. The results suggest that local and historical factors possibly increase Beta diversity, contributing to the increase in resources used as food by primates. Therefore, the presence of primates of medium and large size in the Pacatuba Forest may affect the diversity of resources, contributing to the dispersion of large fruits and seeds. The presence of primates of medium and large size can thus contribute to the preservation of floristic diversity in forest fragments.

Anatomy of the spinal cord of Alouatta belzebul

The genus Alouatta hosts species popularly known as red-handed howler, presenting wide geographic distribution and being found in several biomes. The objective was describe the anatomy of spinal cord of Alouatta belzebul specimens, focusing on the topography of medullary cone, stressing the cervical and lumbar intumescences and cauda equina, to provide anatomical data and compare it with other species to assist in anesthetic and surgical procedures. Four animals were received for scientific research, post mortem, from the fauna rescue program of Hydroelectric Plant of Belo Monte, Para, and they were fixed in 10% formaldehyde solution. Structures such as the medullary cone, cervical and lumbar intumescence, and cauda equina were photographed (Sony α200-10.2 mpx). After thawing, we measured the specimens and observed a size of 80 to 82 cm from head to toe. After the skin and musculature were removed, it was observed that the spine of all specimens presented 7 cervical, 13 thoracic, 5 lumbar and 3 fused sacral vertebrae. The spinal cord was exposed after the removal of vertebral arches, it has 22 cm length in all animals, presenting the cervical intumescence between C3 and C6 vertebrae, with average of 2.2 cm and lumbar intumescence between T11 and T12 vertebrae, with average of 1.65 cm. The medullary cone is located between T12 and L1 vertebrae, with average of 1.5 cm, and the cauda equina between L1 and S3, with an average of 15 cm. This study has an important role as the basis for epidural anesthesia in the species.

Local Ecological Knowledge about Endangered Primates in a Rural Community in Paraíba, Brazil

The study of local ecological knowledge (LEK) fosters a better understanding of the relationship between humans and the environment. We assessed respondents' ecological knowledge of primates in a rural community located near the Atlantic Forest remnants in the state of Paraíba, Brazil. Populations of Alouatta belzebul (red-handed howler monkeys), Sapajus flavius (blonde capuchins), and Callithrix jacchus (the common marmoset) inhabit the region. We conducted 200 semi-structured interviews and applied thematic content analysis, with weighting, to the responses to quantify the LEK. Respondents showed a low LEK, despite the community's proximity to forest remnants. However, the LEK was significantly higher among men, as well as among those who had a greater degree of contact with the primates. Age did not influence LEK. The studied community apparently does not intensively exploit the forest resources nor does it economically depend on primates, which may explain these individuals' low levels of knowledge about these animals. Such data may support future studies, as well as environmental education and action plans, especially for A. belzebul and S. flavius, both of which are endangered species and targets of the National Action Plan for the Conservation of the Primates of the Northeast.

Lineage-specific serology confirms Brazilian Atlantic forest lion tamarins, Leontopithecus chrysomelas and Leontopithecus rosalia, as reservoir hosts of Trypanosoma cruzi II (TcII).

Background Trypanosoma cruzi, the agent of Chagas disease in humans, has a vast reservoir of mammalian hosts in the Americas, and is classified into six genetic lineages, TcI-TcVI, with a possible seventh, TcBat. Elucidating enzootic cycles of the different lineages is important for understanding the ecology of this parasite, the emergence of new outbreaks of Chagas disease and for guiding control strategies. Direct lineage identification by genotyping is hampered by limitations of parasite isolation and culture. An indirect method is to identify lineage-specific serological reactions in infected individuals; here we describe its application with sylvatic Brazilian primates.MethodsSynthetic peptides representing lineage-specific epitopes of the T. cruzi surface protein TSSA were used in ELISA with sera from Atlantic Forest Leontopithecus chrysomelas (golden-headed lion tamarin), L. rosalia (golden lion tamarin), Amazonian Sapajus libidinosus (black-striped capuchin) and Alouatta belzebul (red-handed howler monkey).ResultsThe epitope common to lineages TcII, TcV and TcVI was recognised by sera from 15 of 26 L. chrysomelas and 8 of 13 L. rosalia. For 12 of these serologically identified TcII infections, the identity of the lineage infection was confirmed by genotyping T. cruzi isolates. Of the TcII/TcV/TcVI positive sera 12 of the 15 L. chrysomelas and 2 of the 8 L. rosalia also reacted with the specific epitope restricted to TcV and TcVI. Sera from one of six S. libidinous recognised the TcIV/TcIII epitopes.ConclusionsThis lineage-specific serological surveillance has verified that Atlantic Forest primates are reservoir hosts of at least TcII, and probably TcV and TcVI, commonly associated with severe Chagas disease in the southern cone region of South America. With appropriate reagents, this novel methodology is readily applicable to a wide range of mammal species and reservoir host discovery.